Garden Hacks & Cheap Tricks for UK Gardens This Spring
- Tom Turner
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
Simple wins to get your outdoor space sorted without breaking the bank
Spring’s here. The sun’s teasing us, the BBQ’s looking at you funny, and your garden still looks like the back end of a building site.
Before you panic-buy decking and a pizza oven, here are some affordable ways to get your garden back in shape — with a few tricks thrown in to save you time, money, and hassle.
🌱 1. Edging makes everything look planned
Want your garden to instantly look like you meant it? Edge your lawn or beds.
Use bricks, logs, gravel or even leftover tiles
Keep grass from invading your flowerbeds
Makes mowing easier and the whole space neater
🧠 Hack: Old scaffold boards cut and oiled look rustic, sharp, and cost next to nothing.
🪴 2. Planters from literally anything
Don’t spend £40 on a fancy pot when you’ve got:
An old toolbox
A crate
Even a paint bucket (add holes!)
Paint them, label them, and suddenly it looks like a vibe.
💡 3. Solar lights: £1 shop magic
Seriously. String up some solar fairy lights or stake in a few path lights and your garden feels like a place to be. B&M, Wilko, Poundland — don’t overthink it.
🧼 4. Jet wash = transformation
If your patio’s been looking tired, chances are it’s just filthy.
Rent or borrow a pressure washer
Do the slabs, furniture, even fencing
Instant facelift — no builder required
Bonus: It’s addictive.
🔥 5. Build a firepit for under £40
All you need is:
A metal bowl (old washing machine drum works too)
A circle of bricks or stones
Some dry wood and one mate who knows how to light a fire
Now you’ve got a reason to sit outside when the sun goes down.
🧩 6. Fix the weird bits
Every garden has a weird patch, sun trap or bald spot. Use it.
Make a little gravel zen corner
Throw down bark and a bench
Hide the patch with a vertical planter or screen
Don’t fight the garden — work with what it gives you.
☕ Final Thought: You Don’t Need A Fancy Garden
You need functional, tidy, and a bit of personality. Use what you’ve got. Sort the basics. Then layer in the fun stuff when the weather holds.
If you want help designing a space that works for your life (not just for Instagram), I’ll help you plan it properly — and I can even help you order the gear too.
Because every home deserves a bit of TLC.
Keep yourselves clean and tidy,
Tom
The London Contractor
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